Vanessa Eng

I cannot believe it has been ten years since I entered Harmony Road Music Center. I first began lessons here when I was around seven years old, enrolling in a short summer course. Now, ten years later, I am preparing to graduate from high school and this wonderful program. My years of experience playing piano have allowed me to flourish from a shy, little girl into a confident, young woman. Playing piano has become a significant part of my everyday life; it is something that allows me to express my emotions and break free from the stress of high school. Music has lifted me up from past hardships, provided me with multiple opportunities to express myself, and has allowed me to grow. Throughout the years, I started to take many rigorous AP and college courses, and I became more involved in high school activities, including tennis team, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and volunteer organizations. However, I always made piano a priority. With the piling homework and increased stress of school, I became busy, but piano helped me cope with this stress and relaxed my mind off everything else. Over the course of my journey at Harmony Road, I have earned 6 consecutive Superior ratings and 2 gold cups from festival performances and the Oregon Federation of Music Clubs. I owe all of these accomplishments to my parents and Teacher Judy.

I would like to thank my parents for bringing me to piano lessons each week and encouraging me to practice every day. Last but most certainly not least, I would like to thank Teacher Judy for being with me all these years. She has believed in me and has pushed me beyond my comfort zone. She has positively impacted my life, and none of my accomplishments would have been possible without her.

As college approaches, my passion for music will never end. I will be attending the University of Portland to major in Chemistry and focus on Pre-Med. I will definitely continue to play piano, and music will always be an essential part of my life. Piano is my escape, my passion, my true source of happiness. I would not be who I am today without Teacher Judy or Harmony Road, and I am forever grateful for this amazing experience.